wool pressing mat
 

I got talked into buying a wool pressing mat at our quilt show yesterday. Did I goof?

Dina

I don't think so. I bought one this summer and I've only used it at my one retreat so far. But, I know I'm going to love it when I get back to my winter house. I didn't bring it back with me to the cabin. At the retreat I set it right next to my machine and I'm amazed at how often I used it while I was sewing. I didn't have to get up every time I needed to press a seam so it's going to save me a ton of steps. I suppose I won't be getting so many steps so that might not be good health wise.

I have heard of people saying that when the mats get wet they smell like wet wool (sheep) so I've decided to only use my iron dry. That's no change for me because all irons leak at some point so I don't put water in mine. If I need any moisture, I use Best Press or the home version of it.

I can't wait to hear how you like your new mat. Congrats!

I love mine and it really presses my seams more flat. I keep mine on my ironing board and I don’t use it with steam.

I purchased one at a local quilt show about a year ago and keep it right by my piecing machine. I usually use a dry iron to press my blocks in progress but do keep a spray bottle of water handy to mist any deep creases. I do like to use the wool mat, however, I have found that it makes my seams very flat for a few minutes but once the seams cool off they tend to "warp", so I press and sew, press and sew.

I have one big on my ironing board, one in my retreat/class tote, one by my machine, I really like them. I use a silicone baking sheet underneath the ones on not on the ironing board to keep the heat and steam away from the surface.

I have one sitting in the sun with some fre-breeze. LOL! I'm a steamer and it has a slight smell. Not sure yet about it.

It does smell like sheep because it's 100% wool. If livestock smells bothers you then don't get one. It's like being at the livestock area at the fair but not as strong of course. I don't notice it much with use.

As with most tools, it's all about personal preference. I have a wool mat and like it. However, I was curious about whether it really did improve my pressing, so I sewed 2 identical blocks, pressed one on the wool mat and the other on a fluffy bath towel I'd folded in half. I threw them both over my shoulder onto the floor behind me so I wouldn't know which one was which (my son witnessed this and couldn't figure out what I was doing :D) and I honestly couldn't tell the difference between them.

However, you've already purchased it, so isn't it a little late to be questioning yourself?

Bought one recently and I love it!

I use mine with steam and prop it up somewhere to dry if it seems wet.

I love mine and use it daily. It is great when I’m pressing blocks.

I would say it doesn't make pressing better just easier. I wouldn't give mine up now that I have them.

Ii just got one and haven't tried it yet. I am putting it on a plastic surface but I need it about an inch narrower. Has anyone tried to trim one of these babies?

Okay, thanks, everyone. I was irritated with myself for getting talked into it by the vendor sales lady, but maybe it will be a good thing and I will really use it. I tried it just a bit and didn't like the smell, but I will give it another try.

Dina

Thinking I purchased mine from Quilt in a day, and it may be about 18 inches in size. Sits on a small TV tray folding table by my machine. Comes in handy and don't think I'd give mine up except to trade if for a larger size.

I bought one and loved it so much that I ordered a large one to fit over my bigboard. I use a steam iron with it, and let it sit on a seam for about 20 seconds. I get absolutely flat seams that stay flat. I can’t tolerate smelly things, but my mat doesn’t smell bad. It’s one of the best tools I’ve ever bought right up there with my Martelli cutting table and my Bernina sewing machine.

I love mine. I've had it over a year and use it regularly especially when I'm piecing blocks. I don't always use steam but I have on occasion and it didn't seem to smell as bad as some I've heard about. I hope you enjoy yours. They had dropped in price considerably since they first came out.

I love mine. I have 3 sizes and use them all the time when piecing. The 12x18 is by my ironing board, the 9x12 is perfect next to my sewing machine and the 8.5x8.5 travels with me to classes.

I bought a larger one for my ironing board (away from my machine so that I am forced to get up and move).

I have a 12" x 18" one on a TV table ironing board next to my machine at the cottage.
I do us steam with them...so they smell a bit like wet dog for a while...no big deal to me! They produce such a wonderful seam when I press my seams.

Think that you did a really good thing when you bought it!!!

Use mine all the time and really like it.

I like mine too - but I got it because I iron my DH shirts and it makes ironing the back side of the buttons easier and I have an embroidery machine and it irons them so much better too.

I love mine! Not certain about flatter seams, but it doesn't seem to be as difficult to get the seams to "behave"

I don't use steam, so I find that the mat makes the seams flat using a dry iron. I use it all the time to press.

I think you did good. Everyone I hear from really likes the wool pressing mat. Enjoy it

I just bought myself my first wool pressing mat as a birthday present to myself and love it. I hesitated for a long time but finally did it!

Ohboy, I'm really chomping at the bit to get one especially after reading this. Pressing seams is one of the tricky things for me, and I always wonder if it could be improved w/a new iron or a wool mat. May just have to start looking for sales!

I just won a wool pressing mat from a shop hop! I'm anxious to try it. I'm glad I read all your comments!